All I have access to is a regular soldering iron. Hopefully that'll get hot enough to melt the auto solder.

Thanks for telling me that Walmart has solder and heat shrink. I would have gone right to Radio Shack.

cold solder joint is not any better than the crimp probably worse. it would have to be a good pencil set on the highest setting. twist the wires together and apply heat from one side and solder to the other. you can put a little solder on the tip to get better transfer. you know when the wire is hot enough when you can melt the solder right into the wire.

the guns are relatively cheap, most people who do anything with cars have one. it would be a whole lot easier if you could get one.

Colin...I find there is a great price on a Weller 100/140 watt gun at Home Depot. Typically they are in the plumbing aisle with the flux, copper pipe and acetalyne torches.

You want rosin core solder (acid based to clean as it solders). I've always found ratshack to have a better price for quality product, but could use alternative sources as it can be pricy.

As for heat shrink.. Harbor Freight is your friend there.

Well, there is a new Harbor Freight in Brookfield that I've been meaning to check out.

personally im a fan of the butane soldering irons. alittle pricey to get a decent one but they work the best.

yes, solder and sink tubing

I've got a Weller soldering gun and that thing is a tank, and also my favorite tool. Heats up quick and gets right down to business, then you can slide the shrink wrap over the solder and use the side of the guns tip to warm the shrink wrap.